Deodorizing apparatus comprising suction fan, and refrigerator including the same

ABSTRACT

A deodorizing apparatus including: a base, in which a suction port and a discharge port are disposed; a cover coupled to the base; a suction fan fixed to the base so as to suction air through the suction port; a first fixing member disposed between the suction port and the discharge port so as to support a filter; a light emitting module including a light emitting diode; and a second fixing member for supporting the light emitting module. The first fixing member includes a first body part for spacing the filter apart from the base.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a National Stage Entry of International PatentApplication No. PCT/KR2018/001946, filed on Feb. 14, 2018, and claimspriority from and the benefit of Korean Patent Application No.10-2017-0021256, filed on Feb. 16, 2017, each of which is incorporatedby reference for all purposes as if fully set forth herein.

BACKGROUND Field

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention relate to an electronicapparatus, and more particularly, to a deodorizing device including asuction fan and a refrigerator including the deodorizing device.

Discussion of the Background

Refrigerators are household appliances allowing preserved foods to bekept fresh and stored for a long period of time by freezing orrefrigerating the preserved foods therein through repeated circulationof chilled air.

When preserved foods, such as vegetables and fruit, are stored inrefrigerators, gases generated from the preserved foods are known as amain factor deteriorating freshness of the preserved foods. For example,ethylene is a gas generated due to aging of some kinds of fruit and actsas a material accelerating aging of vegetables, fruit, and the like, andthe generation of ethylene may be sharply increased by a positivefeedback process. Therefore, if gases, such as ethylene, generated frompreserved foods are not controlled, the preserved foods may not bestored for a long period of time while being kept fresh.

To solve such a problem, a deodorizing device may be provided inside arefrigerator. The deodorizing device may allow air in the refrigeratorto be kept fresh by removing several gases. Such a deodorizing device isrequired to have high deodorizing efficiency with respect to air to betreated while deodorizing a large amount of air per hour. In addition,such a deodorizing device is attached to the interior of therefrigerator and is required to have a relatively small size, forexample, a small thickness.

The above information disclosed in this Background section is only forunderstanding of the background of the inventive concepts, and,therefore, it may contain information that does not constitute priorart.

SUMMARY

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide a deodorizingdevice, which has a reduced size and can deodorize a large amount of airper hour, and a refrigerator including the deodorizing device.

An exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a deodorizingdevice including: a base, in which a suction port and a discharge portare disposed; a cover coupled to the base; a suction fan secured to thebase and suctioning air through the suction port; a first securingmember disposed between the suction port and the discharge port andsupporting a filter; a light emitting module including a light emittingdiode; and a second securing member supporting the light emittingmodule. The first securing member includes a first body portionseparating the filter from the base.

The first securing member may further include second and third bodyportions including sliding grooves for receiving the filter, and thefirst body portion may be disposed between the second and third bodyportions.

The first to third body portions and a portion of the cover may surroundthe filter, and the first to third body portions may block the air.

The suction fan may suction the air through the suction port in a firstdirection and the first securing member may support the filter such thata surface of the filter, through which the air passes, faces in a seconddirection intersecting the first direction.

The second securing member may be disposed between the suction port andthe first securing member.

The second securing member may include: first and second poles includinggrooves for securing the light emitting module; and a third poledisposed between the first and second poles and having a protrusion forfurther securing one side of the light emitting module.

The deodorizing device may further include a photosensor sensingintensity of light emitted from the light emitting diode, wherein analarm signal may be generated when the sensed intensity of light islower than a threshold value.

The deodorizing device may further include an air sensor sensing air,wherein the suction fan and the light emitting module may be drivenaccording to a sensing result of the air sensor.

Another exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides adeodorizing device including: a base, in which a suction port and firstand second discharge ports are disposed; a cover coupled to the base; asuction fan secured to the base and suctioning air through the suctionport; a first securing member disposed between the suction port and thefirst discharge port and supporting a first filter; a first lightemitting module including a first light emitting diode; a secondsecuring member supporting the first light emitting module; a thirdsecuring member disposed between the suction port and the seconddischarge port and supporting a second filter; a second light emittingmodule including a second light emitting diode; and a fourth securingmember supporting the second light emitting module. Each of the firstand third securing members includes a first body portion separating thecorresponding filter from the base.

Each of the first and third securing members may further include secondand third body portions including sliding grooves for receiving thecorresponding filter, and the first body portion may be disposed betweenthe second and third body portions.

The first to third body portions and the cover may surround thecorresponding filter, and the first to third body portions may block theair.

Another exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides arefrigerator including: a main body; a door secured to the main body toopen and close the main body; a deodorizing device secured inside themain body; and a main controller controlling the deodorizing device. Thedeodorizing device includes: a base in which a suction port and adischarge port are disposed; a cover coupled to the base; a suction fansecured to the base and suctioning air through the suction port; a firstsecuring member disposed between the suction port and the discharge portand supporting a filter, the first securing member including a bodyportion separating the filter from the base; a light emitting moduleincluding a light emitting diode; a second securing member supportingthe light emitting module; and a controller controlling the suction fanand the light emitting module.

The main controller may enable a control signal when the door is closed,and the controller may operate the suction fan and the light emittingmodule when the control signal is enabled.

The deodorizing device may include visible light emitting diodesarranged on the base and operating in response to control by thecontroller, wherein the controller may operate the visible lightemitting diodes when the control signal is disabled.

The refrigerator may further include a display device, wherein thedeodorizing device may further include a photosensor sensing intensityof light emitted from the light emitting diode, the controller maygenerate an alarm signal when the sensed intensity of light is lowerthan a threshold value, and the main controller may display requirementfor replacement of the light emitting diode in response to the alarmsignal on the display device.

The refrigerator may further include a display device, wherein thedeodorizing device may further include an air sensor that senses airpassing through the filter, the controller may generate alarm signalsaccording to sensing results of the air sensor, and the main controllermay display requirement for replacement of the light emitting diode onthe display device based on the alarm signals.

According to exemplary embodiments, a deodorizing device, which has areduced size and deodorizes a large amount of air per hour, and arefrigerator including the deodorizing device are provided.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description andthe following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and areintended to provide further explanation of the disclosure as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a furtherunderstanding of the disclosure and are incorporated in and constitute apart of this specification, illustrate exemplary embodiments of thedisclosure, and together with the description serve to explain theinventive concepts.

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a deodorizing device accordingto an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a base and first to fourth securingmembers of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of Region A of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of Region B of FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of Region C of FIG. 2.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the deodorizing device taken along LineI-I′ of FIG.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a refrigerator according to an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a method of operating a deodorizingdevice mounted in a refrigerator.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a method of operating a refrigerator,according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a method of operating a refrigerator,according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is an exemplary diagram of a deodorizing device according toanother exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is an exemplary diagram of a deodorizing device according to afurther exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is an exemplary diagram of a deodorizing device according to yetanother exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, for the purposes of explanation, numerousspecific details are set forth in order to provide a thoroughunderstanding of various exemplary embodiments of the invention. As usedherein “embodiments” are non-limiting examples of devices or methodsemploying one or more of the inventive concepts disclosed herein. It isapparent, however, that various exemplary embodiments may be practicedwithout these specific details or with one or more equivalentarrangements. In other instances, well-known structures and devices areshown in block diagram form in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuringvarious exemplary embodiments. Further, various exemplary embodimentsmay be different, but do not have to be exclusive. For example, specificshapes, configurations, and characteristics of an exemplary embodimentmay be used or implemented in another exemplary embodiment withoutdeparting from the inventive concepts.

Unless otherwise specified, the illustrated exemplary embodiments are tobe understood as providing exemplary features of varying detail of someways in which the inventive concepts may be implemented in practice.Therefore, unless otherwise specified, the features, components,modules, layers, films, panels, regions, and/or aspects, etc.(hereinafter individually or collectively referred to as “elements”), ofthe various embodiments may be otherwise combined, separated,interchanged, and/or rearranged without departing from the inventiveconcepts.

The use of cross-hatching and/or shading in the accompanying drawings isgenerally provided to clarify boundaries between adjacent elements. Assuch, neither the presence nor the absence of cross-hatching or shadingconveys or indicates any preference or requirement for particularmaterials, material properties, dimensions, proportions, commonalitiesbetween illustrated elements, and/or any other characteristic,attribute, property, etc., of the elements, unless specified. Further,in the accompanying drawings, the size and relative sizes of elementsmay be exaggerated for clarity and/or descriptive purposes. When anexemplary embodiment may be implemented differently, a specific processorder may be performed differently from the described order. Forexample, two consecutively described processes may be performedsubstantially at the same time or performed in an order opposite to thedescribed order. Also, like reference numerals denote like elements.

When an element, such as a layer, is referred to as being “on,”“connected to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it may bedirectly on, connected to, or coupled to the other element or layer orintervening elements or layers may be present. When, however, an elementor layer is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly connected to,”or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there are nointervening elements or layers present. To this end, the term“connected” may refer to physical, electrical, and/or fluid connection,with or without intervening elements. Further, the D1-axis, the D2-axis,and the D3-axis are not limited to three axes of a rectangularcoordinate system, such as the x, y, and z-axes, and may be interpretedin a broader sense. For example, the D1-axis, the D2-axis, and theD3-axis may be perpendicular to one another, or may represent differentdirections that are not perpendicular to one another. For the purposesof this disclosure, “at least one of X, Y, and Z” and “at least oneselected from the group consisting of X, Y, and Z” may be construed as Xonly, Y only, Z only, or any combination of two or more of X, Y, and Z,such as, for instance, XYZ, XYY, YZ, and ZZ. As used herein, the term“and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of theassociated listed items.

Although the terms “first,” “second,” etc. may be used herein todescribe various types of elements, these elements should not be limitedby these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element fromanother element. Thus, a first element discussed below could be termed asecond element without departing from the teachings of the disclosure.

Spatially relative terms, such as “beneath,” “below,” “under,” “lower,”“above,” “upper,” “over,” “higher,” “side” (e.g., as in “sidewall”), andthe like, may be used herein for descriptive purposes, and, thereby, todescribe one elements relationship to another element(s) as illustratedin the drawings. Spatially relative terms are intended to encompassdifferent orientations of an apparatus in use, operation, and/ormanufacture in addition to the orientation depicted in the drawings. Forexample, if the apparatus in the drawings is turned over, elementsdescribed as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would thenbe oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the exemplaryterm “below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below.Furthermore, the apparatus may be otherwise oriented (e.g., rotated 90degrees or at other orientations), and, as such, the spatially relativedescriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularembodiments and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, thesingular forms, “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the pluralforms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Moreover,the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” and/or “including,”when used in this specification, specify the presence of statedfeatures, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/orgroups thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one ormore other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components,and/or groups thereof. It is also noted that, as used herein, the terms“substantially,” “about,” and other similar terms, are used as terms ofapproximation and not as terms of degree, and, as such, are utilized toaccount for inherent deviations in measured, calculated, and/or providedvalues that would be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art.

Various exemplary embodiments are described herein with reference tosectional and/or exploded illustrations that are schematic illustrationsof idealized exemplary embodiments and/or intermediate structures. Assuch, variations from the shapes of the illustrations as a result, forexample, of manufacturing techniques and/or tolerances, are to beexpected. Thus, exemplary embodiments disclosed herein should notnecessarily be construed as limited to the particular illustrated shapesof regions, but are to include deviations in shapes that result from,for instance, manufacturing. In this manner, regions illustrated in thedrawings may be schematic in nature and the shapes of these regions maynot reflect actual shapes of regions of a device and, as such, are notnecessarily intended to be limiting.

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a deodorizing device 100according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 1, the deodorizing device 100 includes a housing 130including a base 110 and a cover 120, a suction fan 140, a firstsecuring member 150, a first filter FT1, a second securing member 161, afirst light emitting module 162, a third securing member 170, a secondfilter FT2, a fourth securing member 181, a second light emitting module182, and a controller 190.

The base 110 includes a suction port and first and second dischargeports 112, 113. The suction port is disposed between the first andsecond discharge ports 112, 113. For example, the suction port may bedisposed in a central region of the base 110 (see 111 of FIG. 2).

The cover 120 is coupled to the base 110 to define an internal space ofthe housing 130. In an exemplary embodiment, the cover 120 may contactthe first and second filters FT1, FT2 as well as the base 110. The cover120 may be coupled to the base 110 in various ways. For example, thecover 120 may be configured to be easily coupled to and separated fromthe base 110.

The suction fan 140 is secured to the base 110 to overlap the suctionport. For example, the suction fan 140 may be secured to the base 110 bya securing member 141 having a suitable shape. The suction fan 140operates in response to control by the controller 190. The suction fan140 suctions air in a Z+ direction through the suction port in anoperation mode. In an exemplary embodiment, an outer periphery of thesuction fan 140 may be packed with a material, such as rubber,functioning as a buffer to reduce noise during operation of the suctionfan 140.

The first securing member 150 is disposed between the first dischargeport 112 and the suction fan 140. The first securing member 150 supportsthe first filter FT1 such that one surface of the first filter FT1 facesthe suction fan 140 in an X+ direction intersecting the Z+ direction.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the first securing member 150includes first to third body portions 151 to 153. The first body portion151 is disposed between the second and third body portions 152, 153. Thefirst body portion 151 is disposed between the first filter FT1 and abottom surface of the base 110 and thus separates the first filter FT1from the bottom surface of the base 110 by a certain distance. Thus,manufacturing costs of the filter FT1 is reduced while improvingdeodorizing efficiency of the deodorizing device 100. This will bedescribed in more detail with reference to FIG. 6.

The second and third body portions 152, 153 extend from side surfaces ofthe base 110 to the first body portion 151. In an exemplary embodiment,the second and third body portions 152, 153 may include sliding groovesfor receiving the first filter FT1. The first filter FT1 is received inthe sliding grooves.

The first to third body portions 151 to 153 and the cover 120 surroundthe first filter FT1. In addition, the first to third body portions 151to 153 block air.

Thus, air suctioned by the suction fan 140 mainly (substantially) passesthrough the first filter FT1 and is discharged through the firstdischarge port 112.

The second securing member 161 is disposed between the first securingmember 150 and the suction fan 140. The second securing member 161secures the first light emitting module 162 such that a first lightemitting diode 163 included in the first light emitting module 162 facesone surface of the first filter FT1. The second securing member 161 mayinclude a plurality of poles not to obstruct the flow of air whilesecuring the first light emitting module 162 as shown in FIG. 1. Thiswill be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 2.

The first light emitting module 162 may include at least one first lightemitting diode 163 and a printed circuit board for mounting the firstlight emitting diode 163 thereon. The printed circuit board provides aninterface between the controller 190 and the first light emitting diode163. The first light emitting module 162 operates in response to controlby the controller 190. The first light emitting diode 163 may emit lightsuch as UV light toward the one surface of the first filter FT1.

The first filter FT1 may include a photocatalyst providing adeodorization function when exposed to light, such as UV light. Thus, inan operation mode, the first light emitting diode 163 emits UV light tothe first filter FT1 to remove harmful substances from air suctioned bythe suction fan 140 while harmful substances pass through the firstfilter FT1.

The third securing member 170 and the fourth securing member 181 areprovided to form a symmetrical structure about the suction fan 140 withrespect to the first securing member 150 and the second securing member161. That is, the third securing member 170 and the fourth securingmember 181 are disposed between the suction fan 140 and the seconddischarge port 113 to be similar to the first securing member 150 andthe second securing member 161, respectively.

The third securing member 170 is disposed between the suction fan 140and the second discharge port 113. The third securing member 170supports the second filter FT2 such that one surface of the secondfilter FT2 faces the suction fan 140 in an X− direction intersecting theZ+ direction. Like the first securing member 150, the third securingmember 170 includes body portions. The body portions of the thirdsecuring member 170 and the cover 120 surround the second filter FT2.Accordingly, air suctioned by the suction fan 140 mainly (substantially)passes through the second filter FT2 and the passed air is dischargedthrough the second discharge port 113.

The fourth securing member 181 is disposed between the third securingmember 170 and the suction fan 140. The fourth securing member 181includes a plurality of poles for securing the second light emittingmodule 182 such that a light emitting diode included in the second lightemitting module 182 faces the one surface of the second filter FT2.

The second filter FT2 and the second light emitting module 182 havesimilar shapes to the first filter FT1 and the first light emittingmodule 162, respectively.

According to these structures, in an operation mode, the second lightemitting module 182 may emit UV light to the second filter FT2 to removeharmful substances from air suctioned by the suction fan 140 while theharmful substances pass through the second filter FT2.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the suction fan 140 is disposed tosuction air in the Z+ direction. With this structure, the deodorizingdevice 100 has a reduced thickness. In addition, air suctioned throughthe suction port is discharged through two discharge ports 112, 113.Accordingly, the deodorizing device 100 capable of deodorizing a largeamount of air per hour and having a reduced thickness is provided.

The controller 190 controls the overall operation of the deodorizingdevice 100. The controller 190 may be disposed in a suitable region soas not to obstruct the flow of air in the interior space of the housing130. The controller 190 may control the suction fan 140 and the firstand second light emitting modules 162, 182 in response to controlsignals from outside thereof.

In an exemplary embodiment, the deodorizing device 100 may furtherinclude visible light emitting diodes 195. The visible light emittingdiodes 195 operate in response to control by the controller 190. Thevisible light emitting diodes 195 may emit visible light in a Z−direction. In this embodiment, portions of the base 110, which overlapthe visible light emitting diodes 195, may be formed of transparentmaterials.

It will be understood that the timing of operating the visible lightemitting diodes 195 may be changed in various ways. For example, whenthe suction fan 140 and the first and second light emitting modules 162,182 are operated (that is, in an operation mode), the controller 190 maystop light emission from the visible light emitting diodes 195. Thecontroller 190 may control the visible light emitting diodes 195 to emitlight when operation of the suction fan 140 and the first and secondlight emitting modules 162, 182 is stopped. In an exemplary embodiment,the controller 190 may operate the visible light emitting diodes 195 inresponse to a control signal from outside thereof.

In FIG. 1, two discharge ports, and the filters FT1, FT2, the lightemitting modules 162, 182 and the securing members 150, 161, 170, 181,which correspond to the two discharge ports, are illustrated. However,it should be understood that inventive concepts are not limited thereto.For example, the deodorizing device 100 may include one discharge portor three or more discharge ports. In this case, the deodorizing device100 may include filters, light emitting modules, and securing membersfor supporting the filters and the light emitting modules, incorrespondence with one or more discharge ports, respectively.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the base 110 and the first to fourthsecuring members 150, 161, 170, 181 of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is an enlargedview of Region A of FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of Region B ofFIG. 2. FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of Region C of FIG. 2.

Referring to FIG. 2, the suction port 111 is formed in a central regionof the base 110 and disposed between the first and second dischargeports 112, 113.

The first securing member 150 includes the first to third body portions151 to 153 for supporting the first filter FT1. The first body portion151 is disposed between the second and third body portions 152, 153 andseparates the first filter FT1 (see FIG. 1) from the bottom surface ofthe base 110 by a certain distance D1. The second and third bodyportions 152, 153 support the first filter FT1 together with the firstbody portion 151. Referring to FIG. 3, each of the second and third bodyportions 152, 153 includes a sliding groove SG for receiving the firstfilter FT1. The sliding groove SG is provided to the second and thirdbody portions, whereby a user can easily secure the first filter FT1 tothe first securing member 150 and the first filter FT1 can be firmlysecured to the first securing member 150.

Referring again to FIG. 2, the third securing member 170 includes fourthto sixth body portions 171 to 173 for supporting the second filter FT2(see FIG. 1). The fourth to sixth body portions 171 to 173 may havesimilar shapes to the first to third body portions 151 to 153,respectively.

The second securing member 161 includes first to third poles 210 to 230for securing the first light emitting module 162 (see FIG. 1). The firstto third poles 210 to 230 are disposed between the suction port 111 andthe first securing member 150. The first to third poles 210 to 230 maybe configured like fourth to sixth poles 310 to 330 of the fourthsecuring member 181, respectively. Next, the fourth securing member 181will be described.

The fourth securing member 181 includes the fourth to sixth poles 310 to330 for securing the second light emitting module 182. The fourth tosixth poles 310 to 330 are disposed between the suction port 111 and thethird securing member 170. Referring to FIG. 4, each of the fourth andsixth poles 310, 330 may include a groove GRV receiving the second lightemitting module 182 (see FIG. 1). Thus, the second light emitting module182 is secured by the fourth and sixth poles 310, 330. The fifth pole320 is disposed between the fourth and sixth poles 310, 330 and furthersecures the second light emitting module 182. Referring to FIG. 5, thefifth pole 320 includes a protrusion PRTR extending in the X+ directionin an upper portion thereof. The protrusion PRTR may allow the secondlight emitting module 182 secured to the fourth and sixth poles 310, 330not to deviate, for example, in the Z+ direction. That is, the secondlight emitting module 182 is firmly secured by the fifth pole 320.

For example, the second light emitting module 182 may be prevented fromsuffering from unintended shaking due to air circulated in the housing130 (see FIG. 1).

FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the deodorizing device 100 taken alongLine I-I′ of FIG. 1.

Referring to FIG. 6, the suction fan 140 suctions air in the Z+direction through the suction port 111. In FIG. 6, air is indicated bydashed lines. Air impinges against the cover 120 and then flows in theX− and X+ directions. Air flowing in the X− direction passes through thefirst filter FT1, and the passed air is discharged through the firstdischarge port 112. Air flowing in the X+ direction passes through thesecond filter FT2 and the passed air is discharged through the seconddischarge port 113.

The suction fan 140 is placed to suction air in the Z+ direction,thereby reducing the thickness of the deodorizing device 100. Inaddition, air is discharged through two discharge ports 112, 113,whereby the deodorizing device 100 may efficiently suction and dischargeair even though the X− and X+ directions, in which air passes throughthe filters FT1, FT2, intersect the Z+ direction, in which air issuctioned. Therefore, the deodorizing device 100 according to theexemplary embodiment can deodorize a large amount of air while having areduced thickness.

The first filter FT1 is spaced apart from the bottom surface of the base110 by the body portion 151 and the second filter FT2 is spaced apartfrom the bottom surface of the base 110 by the body portion 171. Inaddition, the first filter FT1 and the second filter FT2 adjoin thecover 120. Since air is suctioned in the Z+ direction to reach the cover120 and move in the X− and X+ directions, considering that air mainlyflows along an upper portion of the housing 130, the filters FT1, FT2spaced apart from the bottom surface of the base 110 and contacting thecover 120 are placed in a main flow path of air, whereby these positionsof the filters FT1, FT2 allow air to effectively pass through thefilters FT1, FT2.

In addition, since the first filter FT1 is surrounded by the bodyportions 151 to 153 and the cover 120 and the second filter FT2 issurrounded by the body portions 171 to 173 and the cover 120, most airflowing in the X− and X+ directions passes through the first and secondfilters FT1, FT2 and then is discharged through the discharge ports 112,113, thereby minimizing the amount of air discharged without passingthrough the first and second filters FT1, FT2. Accordingly, thedeodorizing device 100 may have improved deodorizing efficiency. Inaddition, the filters FT1, FT2 have sizes reduced by areas correspondingto the body portions 151, 171 thereof, thereby reducing manufacturingcosts of the filters FT1, FT2.

Further, the first light emitting module 162 is disposed between thefirst filter FT1 and the suction fan 140 and emits light to the firstfilter FT1, and the second light emitting module 182 is disposed betweenthe second filter FT2 and the suction fan 140 and emits light to thesecond filter FT2. Further, the first body portion 151 supports thefirst filter FT1 and blocks air. Due to the first body portion 151, eddyair EDA1, for example, turbulence, may be generated in a region adjacentto the first body portion 151. The fourth body portion 171 supports thesecond filter FT2 and blocks air. Due to the fourth body portion 171,eddy air EDA2 may be generated in a region adjacent to the fourth bodyportion 171. Generation of the eddy air EDA1, EDA2 may increase a timeperiod for which air stays between each filter and the correspondinglight emitting module. Since a surface of a filter exposed to light froma light emitting module provides more effective deodorization, harmfulsubstances in air can be efficiently removed by the surface of thefilter exposed to the light from the light emitting module withincreasing time period for which the air stays between the filter andthe light emitting module. Accordingly, the deodorizing device 100according to the exemplary embodiment may have improved deodorizingefficiency.

In addition, since each light emitting module is disposed between thecorresponding filter and the suction fan 140, air cooling of each lightemitting module may be further provided due to the eddy air EDA1, EDA2.

In an exemplary embodiment, the deodorizing device 100 includes firstand second photosensors 410, 420. The first photosensor 410 sensesintensity of light, for example, the intensity of UV light, emitted fromthe first light emitting module 162. The second photosensor 420 sensesthe intensity of light emitted from the second light emitting module182. Each of the first and second photosensors 410, 420 may be disposedin a suitable region so as not to obstruct the flow of air. When thesensed intensity of light is lower than a threshold value, thecontroller 190 may generate an alarm signal. Information indicating thatthe light emitting modules 162, 182 need to be replaced may be providedto a user based on the alarm signal.

In an exemplary embodiment, the deodorizing device 100 further includesfirst and second air sensors 430, 440. Each of the first and second airsensors 430, 440 is configured to sense an amount (or concentration) ofone of various gases, for example, ammonia gas, hydrogen sulfide gas,trimethylamine gas, methyl mercaptan gas, and ethylene gas, which areincluded in air. The controller 190 may operate the suction fan 140 (seeFIG. 1) and the light emitting modules 162, 182 according to a controlsignal from outside thereof and sensing results of the first and secondair sensors 430, 440.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a refrigerator 1000 according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 7, the refrigerator 1000 includes a main body 1100, adoor 1200, a main controller 1300, and a deodorizing device 1400.

The main body 1100 and the door 1200 define an internal space of therefrigerator 1000.

The door 1200 is secured to the refrigerator 1000 by a component, suchas a hinge, and is openable and closable.

The main controller 1300 is disposed on an upper plate of the main body1100. The main controller 1300 controls overall operations of therefrigerator 1000. The deodorizing device 1400 is further disposed onthe upper plate of the main body 1100. The deodorizing device 1400 mayhave a similar shape to the deodorizing device 100 described withreference to FIG. 1 and may be operated in response to a control signalfrom the main controller 1300.

It will be understood that the refrigerator 1000 may include variouscomponents in addition to those set forth above. For example, therefrigerator 1000 may further include a display device and the maincontroller 1300 may display various pieces of information through thedisplay device.

In an exemplary embodiment, the controller 190 of the deodorizing device1400 and the main controller 1300 may be provided as separatecomponents. However, it should be understood that the inventive conceptsare not limited thereto. For example, the controller 190 may be providedas a component included in the main controller 1300. In this example,the main controller 1300 may be configured to perform a function of thecontroller 190.

Although FIG. 7 illustrates that the main controller 1300 and thedeodorizing device 1400 are disposed on the upper plate of the main body1100, it should be understood that the inventive concepts are notlimited thereto. Regions in which the main controller 1300 and thedeodorizing device 1400 are placed may be changed in various ways.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a method of operating the deodorizingdevice 1400 mounted in the refrigerator 1000.

Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, depending upon whether a control signalprovided from the main controller 1300 of the refrigerator 1000 isenabled in step S110, step S120 or S130 is performed.

In step S120, the suction fan 140 (see FIG. 1) and the light emittingmodules 162, 182 (see FIG. 1) are operated. The controller 190 (seeFIG. 1) of the deodorizing device 1400 may operate the suction fan 140and the light emitting modules 162, 182 when the control signal isenabled. For example, the main controller 1300 may enable the controlsignal when the door 1200 is closed and may disable the control signalwhen the door 1200 is open. In this case, a user may be protected frombeing exposed to UV light emitted from the light emitting modules 162,182. For example, the main controller 1300 may periodically enable thecontrol signal at predetermined time intervals when the door 1200 isclosed. In addition, the main controller 1300 may enable the controlsignal at a suitable timing.

In step S130, the visible light emitting diodes 195 (see FIG. 1) areoperated. The controller 190 operates the visible light emitting diodes195 when the control signal is disabled. In the case where the controlsignal is disabled when the door 1200 is open, the deodorizing device1400 may provide a visual effect of emitting visible light when the door1200 is open.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a method of operating the refrigerator1000, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIGS. 7 and 9, in step S210, the photosensors 410, 420 (seeFIG. 6) of the deodorizing device 1400 provide information about theintensity of light to the controller 190 (see FIG. 1) of the deodorizingdevice 1400.

In step S220, the controller 190 compares the intensity of light with athreshold value. The case where the intensity of light is lower than thethreshold value may mean that remaining lifespan of the light emittingdiodes in the light emitting modules 162, 182 is relatively short. Thecase where the intensity of light is higher than or equal to thethreshold value may mean that remaining lifespan of the light emittingdiodes in the light emitting modules 162, 182 is relatively long. Instep S230, when the intensity of light is lower than the thresholdvalue, the controller 190 transmits an alarm signal to the maincontroller 1300.

In step S240, the main controller 1300 may display requirement forreplacement of the light emitting modules 162, 182 or the light emittingdiodes on the display device of the refrigerator 1000.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a method of operating the refrigerator1000, according to another exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention.

Referring to FIGS. 7 and 10, in steps S311 to S31 m, the air sensors430, 440 (see FIG. 6) of the deodorizing device 1400 sense air andprovide information indicating a state of the air to the controller 190(see FIG. 1) of the deodorizing device 1400. In steps S321 to S32 n, thecontroller 190 transmits alarm signals to the main controller 1300 inresponse to the information received from the air sensors 430, 440. Forexample, when the amount of materials in air sensed in each of stepsS321 to S32 n is higher than a threshold value, an alarm signal may begenerated.

In step S330, the main controller 1300 may display requirement forreplacement of the filters FT1, FT2 on the display device based on thereceived alarm signals. For example, when the alarm signals continue tobe received even though the suction fan 140 and the light emittingmodules 162, 182 are being operated, the main controller 1300 mayannounce that the filters FT1, FT2 need to be replaced.

FIGS. 11 to 13 illustrate other exemplary embodiments of deodorizingdevices. In description of the deodorizing devices according to theother exemplary embodiments with reference to FIGS. 11 to 13,descriptions of the same components as the deodorizing device 100 of theabove embodiments will be omitted and the following description willfocus on different features. For the omitted description, refer to thedescription of the deodorizing device 100 according to the aboveembodiments.

FIG. 11 is an exemplary diagram of a deodorizing device according toanother exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 11, in a deodorizing device 500 according to anotherexemplary embodiment, a second securing member 561 and a fourth securingmember 581 have different structures from those of the above embodiment,respectively. The second securing member 561 includes a first pole 211,a second pole 221, and a third pole 231. Each of the first pole 211 andthe third pole 231 has a structure in which an upper portion thereofprotrudes in a lateral direction. The first pole 211 and the third pole231 are disposed near side surfaces of the base 110, respectively. Inaddition, the first pole 211 and the third pole 231 are arranged suchthat the protruding upper portions thereof face each other.

The second pole 221 is disposed between the first pole 211 and the thirdpole 231. The second pole 221 has an upper portion penetrated from aside surface thereof facing the first pole 211 to a side surface thereoffacing the third pole 231. The penetrated portion of the second pole 221extends up to an upper surface of the second pole 221.

When the first light emitting module 162 (see FIG. 1) is secured to thesecond securing member 561, the first light emitting module 162 isinserted into the second pole 221 from the upper surface of the secondpole 221 in a downward direction. Here, the protruding upper portions ofthe first pole 211 and the third pole 231 contact both ends of anupward-facing side surface of the first light emitting module 162,respectively. Thus, the first light emitting module 162 is spaced apartfrom the bottom surface of the base 110 by a certain distance due to thesecond pole 221, and when the deodorizing device 500 is shaken, thefirst pole 211 and the third pole 231 may prevent the first lightemitting module 162 from deviating from the second pole 221.

In addition, since the first pole 211 and the third pole 231 arearranged to face each other, both side surfaces of the first lightemitting module 162, which face side surfaces of the base 110, contactside surfaces of the first pole 211 and the third pole 231,respectively, when the first light emitting module 162 is mounted on thesecond securing member 561. Thus, when the deodorizing device 500 isshaken, the first light emitting module 162 is secured by the first pole211 and the third pole 231 so as not to be moved in a direction fromside to side thereof.

A fourth pole 311, a fifth pole 321, and a sixth pole 331 of the fourthsecuring member 581 correspond to the first pole 211, the second pole221, and the third pole 231 of the second securing member 561,respectively.

FIG. 12 is an exemplary diagram of a deodorizing device according to afurther exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 12, discharge ports 612, 613 have structures in whichcross-sectional areas thereof gradually decrease from the interior ofthe housing 130 toward the exterior of the housing 130.

Since the discharge ports 612, 613 have gradually narrowing structures,air pressure gradually increases when air passes through the dischargeports 612, 613.

Inner walls of the base 110, which form the discharge ports 612, 613,have slopes such that a distance between the inner walls facing eachother gradually decreases from the interior of the housing 130 towardthe exterior of the housing 130. Thus, when air passes through thedischarge ports 612, 613, a portion of the air collides against theinner walls of the base 110, which have the discharge ports 612, 613therein. In addition, an eddy is generated due to the air collidingagainst the inner walls of the base 110. Such an eddy obstructs the flowof air discharged out of the housing 130.

As such, due to an eddy and increase in air pressure caused by thedischarge ports 612, 613 having gradually narrowing structures, theamount of air discharged from the interior of the housing 130 toward theexterior thereof is less than the amount of air suctioned into thehousing 130. Thus, a moving rate of air inside the housing 130decreases. As a result, a time period for which air remains inside thehousing 130 is increased. Air is deodorized for a longer time periodwith increasing time period for which air remains inside the housing130.

Accordingly, the deodorizing device 600 according to this embodiment maydeodorize air for a long period of time due to the structures of thedischarge ports 612, 613 and have improved deodorizing performance.

In addition, a suction port 611 may have a structure in which across-sectional area thereof gradually decreases from the exterior ofthe housing 130 toward the interior thereof. Air passing through thesuction port 611 is suctioned into the housing 130 by the fan 140 athigh rate. Here, the structure of the suction port 611, which graduallydecreases in an air flow direction, efficiently guides air outside thehousing 130 toward the fan 140. Thus, the air suctioning rate into thehousing 130 is improved due to the suction port 611 having a graduallynarrowing structure and the fan 140.

That is, the deodorizing device 600 according to this embodiment maysuction a larger amount of air through the suction port 611 than theamount of air discharged through the discharge ports 612, 613.Therefore, the time period for which air remains in the housing 130 isfurther increased, whereby air inside the housing 130 can be deodorizedmuch longer.

The structure wherein both the discharge ports 612, 613 and the suctionport 611 have a gradually narrowing structure in the air flow directionmay provide better deodorizing performance to the deodorizing device 600than the structure wherein only the discharge ports 612, 613 have agradually narrowing structure.

As in this exemplary embodiment, the deodorizing device 600 capable ofdeodorizing air for a long period of time may be applied to a smallspace, a space requiring a low air circulation strength, or a place inwhich air needs to be prevented from getting dry due to air circulation.

FIG. 13 is an exemplary diagram of a deodorizing device according to yetanother exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 13, a suction port 711 and discharge ports 712, 713have structures in which sizes thereof gradually increase in the airflow direction.

The suction port 711 has a structure in which a cross-sectional areathereof gradually increases from the exterior of the housing 130 towardthe interior thereof. Thus, the inner walls of the base 110, which havethe suction port 711 therein, have slopes such that a distance betweenthe inner walls facing each other increases from the exterior of thehousing 130 toward the interior thereof.

Due to the suction port 711 having the structure set forth above, whenair is suctioned into the housing 130, a flow path of air graduallyincreases in size. Thus, since air pressure decreases as air passesthrough the suction port 711, loss of air decreases during suctioning.That is, air outside the housing 130 may be suctioned into the housing130 through the fan 140 without loss at the suction port 711.

The discharge ports 712, 713 have structures in which cross-sectionalareas thereof gradually increase from the interior of the housing 130toward the exterior thereof. Thus, the inner walls of the base 110,which have the discharge ports 712, 713 therein, have slopes such that adistance between the inner walls facing each other increases from theinterior of the housing 130 toward the exterior thereof. Therefore, thedischarge ports 712, 713 have structures in which the cross-sectionalareas thereof increase from the interior of the housing 130 toward theexterior thereof.

Due to the discharge ports 712, 713 having the structures set forthabove, when deodorized air is discharged from the housing 130, a flowpath of air gradually increases in size. Thus, since the air pressuredecreases as air passes through the discharge ports 712, 713, deodorizedair may be discharged from the housing 130 without loss.

In addition, according to this exemplary embodiment, due to thestructures of the discharge ports 712, 713, an eddy due to collision ofair against the inner walls of the base 110 after passing through thedischarge ports 712, 713 can be prevented. Further, the base 110includes two discharge ports 712, 713. That is, a space through whichair is discharged from the housing 130 is larger than a space throughwhich air is suctioned into the housing 130. That is, in the deodorizingdevice 700 of this exemplary embodiment, suctioned air flows inside thehousing 130 at high rate to be deodorized and is then discharged fromthe housing 130. Therefore, the deodorizing device 700 according to thisexemplary embodiment can achieve deodorization of air at high ratethrough fast air circulation inside the housing 130.

The deodorizing device 700 using fast air circulation may be applied toa large space, such as a refrigeration device, to achieve efficientdeodorization of the large space.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to someembodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, it should beunderstood that the foregoing embodiments are provided merely for aidingin overall understanding of the present invention and are not to beconstrued in any way as limiting the present invention, and that variousmodifications, variations and alterations can be made by those skilledin the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the presentinvention.

Therefore, the scope of the disclosure should not be limited to theforegoing exemplary embodiments and should be interpreted according tothe following appended claims as covering all modifications orvariations derived from the appended claims and equivalents thereof.

1. A deodorizing device comprising: a base, in which a suction port anda discharge port are disposed; a cover coupled to the base; a suctionfan secured to the base and suctioning air through the suction port; afirst securing member disposed between the suction port and thedischarge port and supporting a filter; a light emitting modulecomprising a light emitting diode; and a second securing membersupporting the light emitting module, wherein the first securing membercomprises a first body portion separating the filter from the base. 2.The deodorizing device according to claim 1, wherein: the first securingmember further comprises second and third body portions comprisingsliding grooves for receiving the filter; the first body portion isdisposed between the second and third body portions; the first to thirdbody portions surround the filter; and the first to third body portionsblock the air.
 3. The deodorizing device according to claim 1, whereinthe suction fan suctions the air in a first direction through thesuction port and the first securing member supports the filter such thata surface of the filter, through which the air passes, faces in a seconddirection intersecting the first direction.
 4. The deodorizing deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein the second securing member comprises:first and second poles comprising grooves for securing the lightemitting module; and a third pole disposed between the first and secondpoles and having a protrusion for further securing one side of the lightemitting module, wherein the second securing member is disposed betweenthe suction port and the first securing member.
 5. The deodorizingdevice according to claim 1, wherein an inner wall of the base has aslope, the inner wall forming the suction port.
 6. The deodorizingdevice according to claim 5, wherein the suction port has across-sectional area increasing from an exterior of the base toward aninterior of the base.
 7. The deodorizing device according to claim 1,wherein an inner wall of the base has a slope, the inner wall formingthe discharge port.
 8. The deodorizing device according to claim 7,wherein the discharge port has a cross-sectional area increasing from aninterior of the base toward an exterior of the base.
 9. A deodorizingdevice comprising: a base, in which a suction port and a discharge portare disposed; a suction fan secured to the base and suctioning airthrough the suction port; a filter disposed between the suction port andthe discharge port; and a light emitting module disposed between thesuction port and the filter, the light emitting module comprising asubstrate and a light emitting diode placed on one surface of thesubstrate; wherein the one surface of the substrate faces the filter andan opposing surface of the substrate faces air suctioned through thesuction port.
 10. The deodorizing device according to claim 9, furthercomprising a first securing member supporting the filter.
 11. Thedeodorizing device according to claim 10, wherein: the first securingmember further comprises second and third body portions comprisingsliding grooves for receiving the filter; a first body portion isdisposed between the second and third body portions; the first to thirdbody portions and a portion of the cover surround the first filter; andthe first to third body portions block the air.
 12. The deodorizingdevice according to claim 11, further comprising a second securingmember supporting the light emitting module.
 13. The deodorizing deviceaccording to claim 12, wherein the second securing member comprises:first and second poles comprising grooves for securing the lightemitting module; and a third pole disposed between the first and secondpoles and having a protrusion for further securing one side of the lightemitting module, wherein the second securing member is disposed betweenthe suction port and the first securing member.
 14. The deodorizingdevice according to claim 9, wherein an inner wall of the base has aslope, the inner wall forming the suction port.
 15. The deodorizingdevice according to claim 14, wherein the suction port has across-sectional area increasing from an exterior of the base toward aninterior of the base.
 16. The deodorizing device according to claim 9,wherein an inner wall of the base has a slope, the inner wall formingthe discharge port.
 17. The deodorizing device according to claim 16,wherein the discharge port has a cross-sectional area increasing from aninterior of the base toward an exterior of the base.
 18. A refrigeratorcomprising: a main body; a door secured to the main body to open andclose the main body; a deodorizing device secured inside the main body;and a main controller controlling the deodorizing device, wherein thedeodorizing device comprises: a base, in which a suction port and an airout let are disposed; a cover coupled to the base; a suction fan securedto the base and suctioning air through the suction port; a firstsecuring member disposed between the suction port and a discharge portand supporting a filter, the first securing member comprising a bodyportion separating the filter from the base; a light emitting modulecomprising a light emitting diode; a second securing member supportingthe light emitting module; and a controller controlling the suction fanand the light emitting module.
 19. The refrigerator according to claim18, wherein the main controller enables a control signal when the dooris closed, and the controller operates the suction fan and the lightemitting module when the control signal is enabled.
 20. The refrigeratoraccording to claim 19, wherein the deodorizing device comprises visiblelight emitting diodes which are arranged on the base and operate inresponse to control by the controller, and the controller operates thevisible light emitting diodes when the control signal is disabled. 21.The refrigerator according to claim 18, further comprising a displaydevice, wherein: the deodorizing device further comprises a photosensorsensing intensity of light emitted from the light emitting diode; thecontroller generates an alarm signal when the sensed intensity of lightis lower than a threshold value; and the main controller displaysrequirement for replacement of the light emitting diode on the displaydevice in response to the alarm signal.
 22. The refrigerator accordingto claim 18, further comprising a display device, wherein: thedeodorizing device further comprises an air sensor sensing air passingthrough the filter; the controller generates alarm signals according tosensing results of the air sensor; and the main controller displaysrequirement for replacement of the light emitting diode based on thealarm signals on the display device.